QUEZON, Nueva Vizcaya—FCF Minerals Corporation could after all continue its operation after its expected closure in 2027 with the identification of an exploration target near its Runruno Mine here.

According to the London-based Metals Exploration (MTL), a mineral resources exploration and development company that owns 100 percent of the FCF Minerals-operated Runruno Gold Project, the exploration target is located in the municipality of Dupax del Norte in this province.

“The exploration target could potentially extend ore processing operations at Runruno after ore feed from the Runruno Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) tenement is exhausted,” MTL said.

It added that the potential ore feed from Dupax del Norte could utilize the existing Runruno process plant infrastructure and be re-purposed to accommodate a different type of ore feed and that any ore from Dupax would likely be processed into a saleable mixed metal concentrate.  

Darren Bowden, MTL chief executive officer, said the Dupax del Norte prospect “provides an exciting opportunity to explore a potential extension of ore processing at Runruno.”

“It is a VMS target with rock samples indicating very high grades of up to 15.47 grams per ton gold and 7 percent copper, with minimal drilling expected to bring it into a resource-ready basis for operation,” Bowden said.

A VMS target in mining is a volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit which is a valuable source of metals like copper, zinc, lead, silver and gold. 

Bowden also explained that following a recent review of the prospect, which included taking fresh rock samples, they are optimistic about the potential that it presents.

He said there is an old mined area on the tenement that allows them to assess the scale of the previous operation and to advance their understanding of the target’s potential.

“We are currently finalizing environmental and forestry approvals and aim to commence exploration as soon as possible. It is too early to say how long it could extend ore processing operations at the Runruno process plant, but I am confident that it has the potential to provide an extension, even if it is only for a few years,” Bowden said.

According to MTL, the Dupax del Norte tenement has been applied for by Woggle Corporation, which is 40 percent owned by the company and its subsidiaries, with 60 percent being owned by the staff pension plan of its   FCF Minerals Corp. subsidiary. 

In addition to FCF Minerals Corp. or the Runruno Mine, MTL completed in August 2024 the acquisition of the Yamang Mineral Corp. or YMC which holds an extensive exploration tenement in the prospective Abra area covering 16,200 hectares.

Under Philippine mining law, exploration tenements can only be a maximum of 40 percent foreign-owned. However, the processing of ore from any mining operation can be 100 percent foreign-owned. 

MTL said the company will optimize the ownership structure relating to the Dupax del Norte project should the exploration program be successful and if the tenement is converted to a mining lease. 

The company said it had previously relinquished an interest in the Dupax del Norte tenement, which it re-applied for in 2023. 

The project area is covered by an Exploration Permit Application ExPA 000168 RII whose tenement covers an area of 3,101.11 hectares.

It is approximately 20 kilometers directly southwest of the company’s existing Runruno Mine site and five kilometers from Dupax del Norte Municipal Hall.

OCEANGOLD Philippines (OPG) recently turned over three more farm-to-market (FMR) projects worth P9 million to villagers in Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino provinces in simple ceremonies.

“For hundreds of villagers in these two provinces, a simple road means more than just a path. It is a bridge to opportunity, security and progress,” said Joan Adaci-Cattiling, OGP president and general manager for external affairs and social performance.

With these newly completed FMR projects, Adaci-Cattiling said around 500 residents are now able to travel more safely and conveniently to schools, farms and nearby towns.

These new FMRs included those constructed at Barangay Villa Aurora, Diadi in Nueva Vizcaya, a 223.5-meter road reinforced with three cross drainages and a sturdy retaining wall; Barangay Ricarte Sur, Diffun in Quirino, a 246-meter road with a cross drainage unit, a retaining wall, and a drainage canal for better water flow; and Barangay Pinaripad Norte, Aglipay, also in Quirino, a 247.5-meter road strengthened with a pipe culvert and slope protection.

Adaci-Cattiling noted that for many years, villagers traveled through rough and muddy trails, making it difficult for farmers to bring their produce to the market and for children to go to school.

“Now, with these newly built roads, funded through OGP’s Community Development Fund (CDF) everyday life becomes a little easier, and possibilities grow a little bigger,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Diffun and Aglipay roads in Quirino province were officially turned over in January, while the Diadi project in Nueva Vizcaya was completed in December 2024.

As these roads open new doors for the communities, they stand as a testament, Adaci-Catting added.

BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya: The Didipio Mine here is helping coffee farmers boost the industry by extending financial assistance and capacitating particularly the farmer-members of a coffee growers cooperative here.

Didipio Mine president and general manager for external affairs and social performance Joan Adaci-Cattiling said the mine partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to provide training to coffee growers.

She said the recent capacity-building activity for members of the Kasibu Coffee Growers Association, Inc. (KCGAI) was mainly on coffee post-harvest operations.

Under the 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 project, Cattiling added that Didipio Mine and KCGAI have realier forged an agreement for a P2.5 million pesos financial assistance.

“This project is under the Didipio Mine’s corporate social responsibility or CSR program aimed at contributing to the association’s community, financial and organizational sustainability,” she said.

Cattiling said the project intends to assist coffee farmers in monitoring and managing their crops as well as provide them with technical assistance.

“It will also cover the establishment and maintenance of a nursery, building the capacity of the association’s farmer-members, and regular monitoring of the coffee farms,” she said.

According to Cattiling, the acquisition of needed machinery, tools, and equipment; the augmentation of fertilizer needs of farmers; and the provision of coffee trees and other tropical trees are also covered by the agreement.

The DTI Region 2 led by Regional Director Ma. Sofia Narag and DTI Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Director Michael Paggabao, paid a courtesy visit to Cuaresma on November 24, 2024 on the sidelines of the North Luzon Growth Quadrangle Meeting in the House of Representatives, to discuss areas for collaboration.

Paggabao said the meeting served as a platform to reaffirm DTI’s commitment to collaborating closely with the congresswoman’s office in advancing initiatives that empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), enhance local industries and support the overall economic progress of Nueva Vizcaya.

“We are delighted to solidify our partnership with Congresswoman Cuaresma in achieving shared goals for the province. Her support will truly help us achieve our unified vision to bring impactful programs and services to the people of Nueva Vizcaya,” Paggabao said.

Narag and Paggabao were accompanied by the other leaders of DTI Region 2 namely Provincial Director (PD) Mary Ann Dy, acting PD Lourdito Antonio, acting PD Cyrus Restauro, Division chief Tessie Isidra Guitering, and chief of staff Elena Marie Ferrer. DTI NUEVA VIZCAYA

BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

BAGUIO CITY—FCF Minerals Corporation has won its third consecutive Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) during the 70th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) held at the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center here from November 19 to 22, 2024.

The award, according to Lorne Harvey, FCF Minerals general manager for operations, is an “unprecedented achievement of the company for all its efforts in responsible mining.” 

“FCF Minerals not only maintained its PMIEA excellence but also captured two additional safety distinctions, marking a remarkable industry milestone,” Harvey added.

The company also received the Safest Surface Mining Operation Award as the winner and the Safest Mining Operation Award, also as winner.

He said the triple PMIEA achievement underscores FCF Minerals’ unwavering commitment to responsible mining practices and industry leadership in sustainable operations.

Engineer Diosdado Dimalanta, Infrastructure and Security Manager, and lawyer Rowena Marcos, Legal and Compliance Manager, who represented Harvey at the November 22 awards ceremony, accepted the PMIEA award.

The Safety Awards were received by the company’s safety team Engineer Maria-Rica-Xtra Arguel, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) manager; Engineer Alex Lagbas, OSH superintendent; and Engineer Tiana May Bonoy, Safety Engineer.

Awarded annually, the PMIEA recognizes mining companies that demonstrate exceptional performance in environmental protection and management, workplace safety and health practices and social development and community engagement.

Dimalanta noted that the awards received by the company are a “solid testament to compliance beyond international standards truly becoming a beacon in the mining industry.”

Meanwhile, the FCF Emergency Response Team (ERT) also clinched second place in the First Aid Competition at the Melvin Jones Grandstand on November 22.

Harvey said their dedicated ERT also demonstrated their exceptional skills across multiple challenges including Fire Brigade Competition, Fire Extinguishment Event and Tug of Peace Challenge.

“This remarkable achievement highlights our team’s dedication to emergency preparedness and commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards at FCF Minerals Corporation,” he said.

Joining the FCF Minerals delegation during the Minerals Industry Parade, led by Dimalanta representing Harvey on November 22 from SM Baguio to the Melvin Jones Grandstand, were the barangay officials of Runruno in Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya, headed by barangay captain John Babli-ing. Runruno is the company’s host community.

The company also participated in the two-day booth exhibit during the 70th ANMSEC  from November 20 to 21 which was visited by different mining companies, contractors, students and other interested individuals who wanted to know more about responsible mining.

Harvey said this enables the company to share and discuss its operations and best practices, particularly in its Safety and Health, Environment and Social programs.

There were 1,300 individuals recorded visitors who dropped by the booth participating in the dart board game that enabled them to win prizes after following the company’s official Facebook page and inviting their Facebook friends to follow the page.

The 70th ANMSEC was spearheaded by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA),  the country’s leading advocate for occupational safety, health, environmental management, and social responsibility in the minerals industry, in coordination with various key stakeholders.

These stakeholders include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB), the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers, as well as mining companies, quarries, mineral processing plants, suppliers, service contractors and various professional organizations.

This year’s event marked a significant milestone in the history of ANMSEC, highlighting seven decades of dedication to improving safety standards and environmental practices in the mining industry.

Anchored on the theme “Endurance and Innovation for Sustainability,” the MGB Region 2 Director Mario Ancheta said the conference “reflects the unique challenges faced by the mining industry in the country and the need to navigate these challenges by embracing innovative and sustainable practices and solutions towards achieving responsible and sustainable mineral resources development.”

MANILA (September 6, 2024)—The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines will open a new Visa Application Center (VAC), launch an updated visa appointment system, and expand call center services to U.S. citizens in the Philippines starting on September 28.

The new VAC will be located at Parqal Building 8, Level 3, Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.  Immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants seeking interview appointments starting September 28 will be required to schedule a separate appointment at the VAC for photo capture and fingerprint scanning prior to their interview at the U.S. Embassy on Roxas Boulevard.  Scheduling will be done through the new and redesigned online appointment system.

Applicants who have scheduled a visa interview before September 28 will not be affected by this change and should proceed directly to their appointment at the Embassy.

The new online appointment system will feature a secure and user-friendly interface for visa applicants and will be available on September 28 on ustraveldocs.com/ph.  Applicants who have existing accounts in the current visa appointment system will be required to sign in to the new system using their already-registered email address to retrieve their user profile, which includes payment receipts and appointment information.

The VAC will offer appointment slots from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays.  No appointment is needed for applicants who would like to pick up their passports or drop off interview waiver visa applications and other required documents from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. 

Additionally, the U.S. Embassy will launch a call center for customers with general, non-emergency American Citizen Services (ACS) inquiries.  U.S. citizens can call consular hotlines at (+632) 7792-8988 or (+632) 8548-8223, or (703) 520-2235 for callers in the United States, with passport, citizenship, and notarial service questions.  The U.S. Embassy will also launch a new and dedicated website (ustraveldocs.com/ph/en/american-citizens-services) and email (support-acs-philippines@usvisascheduling.com) for these ACS services on September 28.  Inquiries not related to passport, citizenship, or notarials should still be sent to the embassy’s ACS unit directly viaACSInfoManila@state.gov.

Updates regarding these changes will be posted on the U.S. Embassy website (ph.usembassy.gov) and on the Embassy’s Facebook  (facebook.com/USEmbassyPH/) and X account (@USEmbassyPH). (US EMBASSY)

TUGUEGARAO CITY (September 2, 2024)—A hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) was rescued after it was accidentally trapped in a fish net in Diora Zinungan, Sta. Ana, Cagayan on Saturday, environment workers said on Thursday.

Fisherman John Kenneth Recolizado found the turtle entangled in his net, prompting him to immediately report the matter to the Santa Ana Fishery Station of the Provincial Agriculture Office.

Environmental workers Derick Adap and Jomar Cabingabang of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office-Aparri met with Santa Ana local representatives, and they decided to bring the sea turtle back to its natural habitat after a checkup.

The hawksbill sea turtle, a critically endangered sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae and the only extant species in the genus Eretmochelys, measures 51-cm in length and 48-cm in width.

Environmentalists put the tag PH2179BA so that it can be known immediately in case it is caught or netted in the sea again.

BY VINCE JACOB VISAYA

TUGUEGARAO CITY (August 31, 2024)—A total of 1,678 cases of dengue were recorded from January 1 to August 26 this year in Cagayan province, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported on Thursday.

The PHO records show that most of these cases were from Lasam town with 225, Tuguegarao City with 184, followed by Aparri with 147 cases, Abulug with 135, and Gattaran with 117.

The PHO has intensified close monitoring and on-site inspection in various towns in Cagayan to ensure the breeding grounds of mosquitos that carry dengue virus are cleaned to prevent the spread of the disease.

In the face of increasing cases of dengue, the PHO has once again called on the public to follow the 5S strategy to prevent the further spread of the disease.

The 5S are search and destroy, self-protection, seek early consultation, support fogging and spraying, and sustain hydration.

The PHO warned that the number of dengue cases in the province could increase and called on the public to be vigilant and follow the recommendations of the health authorities to ensure everyone’s safety.

BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (August 31, 2024)—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has poured P209.7 million into constructing three flood control structures in the province of Nueva Vizcaya to reduce massive flooding in communities and extensive damage to crops, cropping land and properties along the Magat River.

With a total length of 226 kilometers, the Magat River is in Northern Luzon, which originates in Aritao town, where the Santa Fe River joins the Marang River. It is the largest tributary of the Cagayan River by discharge volume of water, with an estimated drainage area of 5,200 square kilometers, roughly 20 percent of the total drainage area of the Cagayan River.

These flood control structures are being implemented along the Santa Fe River in Barangay Bone North in Aritao town with P94 million funding; the P67.8-million flood control and drainage structures at Kinacao Section of Magat River in Bagabag town; and the P47.9-million Nalubbunan Flood Control Project in Quezon town.

According to the DPWH in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley), these projects along the Magat River will “ensure the safety and security of villagers and their properties during heavy downpours, particularly those brought by strong typhoons.”

Agnes Lu, DPWH 2nd District Engineering Office officer in charge, said the P94-million project in Aritao is the construction of a 1,660-linear-meter rubble concrete revetment structure with gabion mattress footing protection to safeguard residential areas and rice fields from flooding.

She said this flood control project along the Santa Fe River, which is one of the tributaries of the Magat River, already posted an accomplishment of 74.44 percent and is expected to be completed by October this year.

“This flood control structure will play a vital role in improving public safety by protecting the lives, properties and source of income for about 2,609 individuals,” Lu said.

She added that the project will also “foster disaster-resiliency to the community and mitigate the damaging effects of floodings to public infrastructures.”

Marifel Andes, DPWH 1st District Engineering Office chief, said the flood control and drainage structures in Bagabag town involve the provision of 320 linear meters of slope protection work using steel sheet piles and gabion spur dikes.

On the other hand, the Nalubbunan Flood Control Project involves the construction of a 504-linear-meter rubble concrete revetment with anchorage, embankment, mattresses, gabions and a series of spur dikes.

Funded through the 2023 DPWH’s Regular Infrastructure Program, Andes said these newly completed flood control projects are “designed to mitigate flood risks that threaten the rice, corn and vegetable farming of villagers nearby.”

DTI Nueva Vizcaya Director Michael Paggabao said that in their continuous efforts on MSME development and women empowerment, they have officially kicked off the Accelerating Women Empowerment (AWE) Program in Nueva Vizcaya.

With Catalyste+, formerly the Canadian Executive Service Organization, Paggabao said the DTI Nueva Vizcaya started conducting onsite visits this week and needs assessment of the proposed women entrepreneurs.

Represented by Project Officer Vener Valerio, Catalyste+ offers mentorship and advisory services to strengthen economies in Canada and other emerging countries worldwide.

Paggabao said the AWE Program aims to assist and guide MSMEs, particularly women entrepreneurs and women groups, in “enhancing their capabilities across all aspects of business management, including business operations, product development, financial management, sales and marketing, and customer service.”

“One of the project highlights is the digital transformation for women entrepreneurs [or womenpreneurs], focusing on capacitation training for e-commerce website development and digital marketing,” added Paggabao.

Paggabao said the first batch of proposed MSMEs for this program include the Kaagapay ng mga Magsasaka, Mangangalakal at Eksperto sa Pagpoproseso-Nueva Vizcaya Producers Cooperative in Aritao; the Nueva Vizcaya Cacao Growers Association Inc. and Felisa’s Grind and Brew in Bayombong; the Runruno Retro Weavers Association in Quezon; and Joyce Buko Pie in Bagabag.

Valerio discussed specific details of the program and interviewed women entrepreneurs, who shared a brief background of their businesses and associations.

He noted that among the initial issues and concerns raised were “challenges in financial management, inventory management, pricing and costing, and marketing.”

Paggabao said the information gathered by the team would undergo assessment, most of which would be done online, before the deployment of Canadian experts and consultants in the province, who would then conduct training and mentoring sessions with the MSMEs.

“This initiative represents a promising step towards empowering women entrepreneurs in Nueva Vizcaya, providing them with the tools and support needed to thrive in a competitive business landscape and contribute to economic development,” he added.

Also joining the team accompanying the Catalyste+ representatives were Business Development Division chief Lenore Lee Lopez, Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist (STIDS) Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program’s Flomilyn de la Cruz, TIDS Robelyn Mae Lising, and Junior Business counselors Kristine Dian Calimag and Precious Mae Marzan. LEANDER C. DOMINGO